annual report 2009/10 (regulatory) - bellingen shire...bellingen shire council annual report 2009/10...

Bellingen Shire Council

www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Annual Report 2009/10

(Regulatory)

Bellingen Shire Council Annual Report 2009/10

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Table of Contents Bellingen Shire – a lifestyle region ………………………………………………………….... 3

Your Council ……………………………………………………………………………........ 8

Elected Representatives ………………………………………………………………….…. 9

Organisational Structure …………………………………………………………………..… 11

Vision, Mission & Strategic Framework …………………………………………………..… 13

The Year in Review …………………………………………………………………………... 16

Statutory Disclosures ……………………………………………………………………..…. 31

Rural Fire Service ……………………………………………………………………………. 35

Community Development & Planning …………………………………………………….... 37

Human Resource Activities ………………………………………………………………..... 42

State Emergency Services ………………………………………………………………….. 54

Financial Management …………………………………………………………………….... 57

Your Environmental and Road Levies ……………………………………………………... 59

Access to Information ……………………………………………………………………….. 61

Audited Financial Reports, Principal Activities & State of the Environment Report ….... 62

Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy ……………………………………………... 63


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Bellingen Shire – a lifestyle region

Bellingen Shire is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. It has a total area of 1,605 square kilometres with a coastline of approximately 10km. State forests and National Parks cover 53% of the rural area. The resident population of the Shire was 13,369 in 2009. Over the past five years the population of Bellingen Shire has increased at an average annual rate of 0.9%. The Shire is located within the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people whose tribal boundaries extend along the east coast of New South Wales from south of Nambucca, north of Woolgoolga and west across the Dorrigo Plateau escarpment. Bellingen Shire consists of three broad topographical areas incorporating the seaboard around Mylestom, Repton and Urunga, the valleys of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers and the Dorrigo plateau landscapes. Each has its own characteristics and provides a choice in cultural and natural diversity. The area extends inland from Urunga at the mouth of the Bellinger River and includes its broad and fertile valley with the historic and beautiful town of Bellingen as its regional centre. Further inland the Waterfall Way climbs through the World Heritage Area of the Dorrigo National Park. Just beyond is the tableland town of Dorrigo and the wild Nymboida River. The Dorrigo escarpment forms a natural barrier across the Shire. The Pacific Highway and north coast rail line provide a strong transport infrastructure linking Sydney and Brisbane. The scenic Waterfall Way, rated number three of Australia’s top 10 most iconic drives, also offers easy access from the coast through the lush Gondwana Rainforests of the Great Divide to the New England region. The large regional airport at Coffs Harbour provides a gateway for international and domestic visitors to the Shire. The links to Coffs Harbour provides significant employment opportunities, commercial and retail services and access to high quality transport, education, health and tourism infrastructure. The Coffs Harbour Education Campus incorporates the Southern Cross University, TAFE North Coast Institute and a senior college providing exceptional learning opportunities. The Shire is a lifestyle region with an emphasis on cultural vibrancy, liveability and social cohesion. It has diverged over the years and is now a mix of traditional and non-traditional farming. Many of today’s residents are artists, craftspeople, writers, musicians and horticulturalists, with approximately 12.1% of employed residents having established home-based activities. Bellingen Shire is an “economy in transition.” While the traditional industry base of timber, dairying, potato and meat processing are essential to the economic health of the Shire, emerging and developing industries include tourism which is underpinned by the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, national parks, cultural attractions and a successful events sector. Aquaculture, agribusiness/processing, arts and cultural industries, organics and regional cuisine and aged care have also developed.


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A number of diverse world class businesses are based in the Shire and Coffs Coast region and compete nationally and internationally due to their innovative culture, continuous quest for improvement and access to a skilled and committed workforce. Bellingen’s “creative” economy distinguishes Bellingen from its neighbours. The physical character of the Shire, of river valleys, varied landscapes, warm and humid sub tropical climate and small and friendly townships, combined with the notion of an economy consisting of skilled artisans and creative enterprises represents a very powerful and precious image. The events sector is also part of this “creative” economy. The renowned annual Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival, Bellingen Renewable Energy Fair, Camp Creative, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Global Carnival and ToastUrunga all add to the Shire’s already buzzing cultural life. The vibrant monthly Bellingen Markets also provides an opportunity to showcase our people and culture. Tourism is strengthened by the fantastic climate, a stunning environment, café, market and festival culture and access to a wide range of tourism and recreational opportunities. For lifestyle you can choose the Dorrigo plateau, rural areas, town convenience or beachside living. In March 2009 two of the Coffs Coast's idyllic villages were counted amongst the Best 100 Towns in Australia, with one proving it has better coffee than Sydney and the other standing out as a gateway to an 'otherworldly atmosphere' of natural beauty. Bellingen was rated as the 27th best town in the country, while Dorrigo came in at 77 in a poll by Australian Traveller magazine. “Everywhere we're asked the same question: what is our favourite town?” Australian Traveller reported. “So for our fourth birthday, we set out to answer that much debated question and compiled a list of towns that are unique, beautiful and are often hidden gems.” Bellingen was rated the most well-preserved town on the Mid North Coast and was recognised as 'a laidback town making its evolution from a dairy subsistence to a romantic B&B experience'. “You can get better coffee in Bellingen than in Sydney these days.” Dorrigo was praised as 'the gateway to the parks, the beach and the rainforest'.


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Profile (Source: ABS census data 2006) Age Number % NSW % 0-17 3,078 24.8 24.0 18-29 942 7.6 15.7 30-44 2,227 17.9 21.7 45-59 3,088 24.9 19.9 50-74 2,041 16.4 12.0 75 or over 1,041 8.4 6.7

Total 12,417 100.0 100.0 Weekly individual income Negative/Nil 656 7.1 8.6 $1-$399 4,702 51.1 37.0 $400-$799 2,509 27.2 25.4 $800-$1,299 920 10.0 16.4 $1,300-$1,599 246 2.7 5.1 $1,600-$1,999 93 1.0 3.0 $2,000 or more 87 0.9 4.5

Total 9,213 100.0 100.0 Schooling: highest year completed Did not go to school 45 0.5 1.3 Year 8 or equivalent or below 816 8.9 7.4 Year 10 or equivalent or below 4,355 47.8 37.6 Year 11 or equivalent 671 7.3 6.6 Year 12 or equivalent 3,245 35.5 47.1

Total 9,132 100.0 100.0 Birthplace Australia 10,311 88.0 74.4 Overseas 1,404 12.0 25.6

Total 11,715 100.0 100.0 Language spoken at home English only 11,656 97.6 78.7 Speaks language other than English 290 2.4 21.3

Total 11,946 100.0 100.0 Religion: top 5 responses No Religion 3,224 29.2 0.6 Anglican 3,096 28.0 24.2 Catholic 2,162 19.6 31.3 Uniting Church 960 8.7 5.1 Presbyterian and Reformed 356 3.2 3.7


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Gross Regional Product The GRP for Bellingen Shire increased by 1.7% from $357.0 million to $363.1 million in 2008/09 (latest figures). With regard to industry, the largest contribution was made by the Manufacturing industry, with approximately $41.8M or 11.5% of the total GRP for the Shire. The Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (8.7%), Health Care & Social Assistance (7.9%) and Education & Training (6.6%) sectors were the next highest contributors to the GRP. The Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry experienced the highest annual increase in the industry value added in 2008/09, rising by 15.5% from the level recorded in 2007/08. Other sectors that experienced high levels of annual growth included Information & Telecommunications (up 8.9%), Other Services (up 8.3%) and Transport, Postal & Warehousing (up 7.0%). GRP (Output) by Industry ($m) 2008/09 % of Total Annual % Change Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 31.5 8.7 15.5 Mining 0.0 0.0 na Manufacturing 41.8 11.5 2.7 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 4.1 1.1 -9.7 Construction 16.6 4.6 -2.6 Wholesale Trade 20.4 5.6 4.9 Retail Trade 19.8 5.5 1.2 Accommodation and Food Services 16.5 4.5 5.5 Transport, Postal and Warehousing 14.1 3.9 7.0 Information Media and Telecommunications 5.9 1.6 8.9 Financial and Insurance Services 19.1 5.3 0.6 Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 10.5 2.9 0.8 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 16.7 4.6 -3.6 Administrative and Support Services 8.6 2.4 -0.9 Public Administration and Safety 15.0 4.1 -6.9 Education and Training 24.0 6.6 1.2 Health Care and Social Assistance 28.7 7.9 3.3 Arts and Recreation Services 5.1 1.4 -7.0 Other Services 7.2 2.0 8.3 Non Classifiable industry 3.1 0.8 2.5 Total Industry Value Added 308.7 85.0 2.6 Ownership of dwellings 28.0 7.7 4.7 GRP at Factor Cost ($m) 336.8 92.7 2.7 Taxes less subsidies on production and imports 27.9 7.7 -4.5 Statistical Discrepancy -1.6 -0.4 - Gross Regional Product ($m) 363.1 100.0 1.7


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Business Activity The most recent ABS Australian Business Register indicated there were an estimated 1,212 businesses (registered for GST and actively trading) in the Shire in June 2007. The estimated total turnover of all industry in the Shire was $354 million in 2006/07 and the average turnover of all businesses was approximately $292,100. The Wholesale Trade sector recorded the highest average turnover of $926,000, followed by Retail Trade $495,900, Accommodation, Cafes & Restaurants $426,300 and Finance & Insurance $400,000.

Businesses by Industry Number % Turnover $m

%

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 348 28.7 54.7 15.5 Mining 6 0.5 0.8 0.2 Manufacturing 57 4.7 20.5 5.8 Electricity, gas, water & waste services 3 0.2 0.0 0.0 Construction 213 17.6 64.2 18.1 Wholesale trade 36 3.0 33.3 9.4 Retail trade 156 12.9 77.4 21.9 Accommodation Cafes & Restaurants 60 5.0 25.6 7.2 Transport and Storage 48 4.0 17.9 5.1 Communication Services 18 1.5 4.9 1.4 Finance & Insurance 21 1.7 8.4 2.4 Property & Business Services 156 12.9 34.5 9.7 Education 3 0.2 0.5 0.1 Health & Community Services 30 2.5 6.3 1.8 Cultural & Recreation Services 18 1.5 1.1 0.3 Personal & Other Services 39 3.2 3.9 1.1 Total 1,212 100.0 354.0 100.0

Tourism Visitor Numbers The average number of domestic visitors per annum to the Shire over the three years to June 2007 was approximately 226,000, which was comprised of Domestic Overnight 87,000 (38.5%) and Domestic Day of 139,000 (61.5%). The total number of domestic visitor nights spent in the region was approximately 299,000pa over the three years to June 2007. Domestic Overnight and Day visitors to the Shire spent an average total of approximately $28 million pa over the three years. Economic Profile Each year Council produces a statistical overview of the Shire to assist business and the community to gain an understanding of the Shire.


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Your Council

Council provides a range of day-to-day services for our local community and is responsible for issues that affect our daily lives. These services include: • libraries, community centres and halls • recreation facilities such as public swimming pools and sporting fields • infrastructure such as roads, bridges, boat ramps, skate parks, public toilets and picnic

areas • water and sewerage services • environmental and public health services • waste management and recycling • controlling companion animals • planning and development services • services for specific groups in the community such as children, young people, older

people, people with disabilities, indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Council operates within laws set by the NSW Government with the main powers and responsibilities coming from the Local Government Act 1993 and associated regulations. Council elections are held every four years with the last election being held in September 2008 and the next election to be held in September 2012. Each council must have between five to fifteen councillors with Bellingen Shire having seven councillors, one of whom is the mayor who is directly elected by the local community. The role of the councillors is to set the council’s strategic direction and make final policy decisions. Council meetings are held monthly, on the fourth Wednesday, to discuss issues and make decisions on behalf of the local community. You are most welcome to attend these meetings and to watch your elected members at work. A number of Advisory Committees have been set up to assist council to develop various plans and policies and many local management committees (Section 355 LGA 1993) have been established to have the care, control and management of community and sporting facilities. Council employs a range of administrative, outdoor, technical and professional staff. The general manager is responsible for implementing the strategic direction and policies set by the councillors and managing the work of council staff. Members of the public are entitled to have access to the majority of council documents. Council may also allow you access to other documents, but this will be a matter for the designated Public Officer to decide. You could be involved with the decisions made by your Council by

• writing or telephoning Council about issues important to you • talking to your councillors • addressing Council during the Public Access session at the beginning of each

Council Meeting on any agenda item • attending public meetings and forums held on specific issues throughout the year


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Elected Representatives

Back Row: Crs Sean Tuohy, Bruce Cronin, Gordon Braithwaite and David Scott Front Row: Crs Mark Troy (Mayor), Kerry Child (Deputy Mayor) and Ian Coe

Cr Mark Troy (Mayor) 1 Mahers Road, BELLINGEN NSW 2454 Phone 6655 1901 Fax 6655 1901 [email protected]

Cr Bruce Cronin 14 Endeavour Drive BELLINGEN NSW 2454 PO Box 537, BELLINGEN NSW 2454 Phone 6655 1181 Fax 6655 1181 [email protected]

Cr Kerry Child (Deputy Mayor) 423 Hydes Creek Road, BELLINGEN NSW 2454 Phone 6655 1867 Fax 6655 1867 [email protected]

Cr David Scott "Carinya" 476 Slingsbys Road DORRIGO NSW 2453 Phone 6657 4102 Fax 6657 4102 [email protected]

Cr Gordon Braithwaite 24 William Street, BELLINGEN NSW 2454 Phone 6655 1257 Fax 6655 0734 [email protected]

Cr Sean Tuohy 1231 South Arm Road, BELLINGEN NSW 2454 Phone 6655 0707 [email protected]

Cr Ian Coe 41 Perrys Road, REPTON NSW 2454 PO Box 2018, MYLESTOM NSW 2454 Phone 6699 1047 [email protected]

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Record of Attendance at Council and Committee Meetings

Councillor Ordinary

Meetings Extraordinary

Meetings Committee of

Council - Works

Mark Troy (Mayor) 11 Nil 3 Kerry Child (Deputy Mayor) 11 Nil 3

Gordon Braithwaite 11 Nil 3 Ian Coe 11 Nil 3

Bruce Cronin 11 Nil 3 David Scott 10 Nil 2 Sean Tuohy 10 Nil 3

Eleven (11) Ordinary Meetings of Council were held on 22 July, 26 August, 23 September, 29 October, 25 November, 16 December, 25 February, 24 March, 28 April, 26 May and 23 June. No Extraordinary Meetings of Council were held during the year and three (3) Works Committee meetings were held on 7 October, 24 March and 23 June.

Mrs Patricia Oakman passes away

A former Bellingen Shire President, Mrs Oakman passed away on the 20 May 2010 at the age of 93. Mrs Oakman, OAM, was the first female Shire President in New South Wales and was the Shire President of Bellingen Shire from 1970 to 1972 then again from 1976 to 1980.


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Organisational Structure

Cr Mark Troy Mayor

Mike Colreavy General Manager

• Administration Support • Financial Management • Risk Management & Insurances • Human Resources & OH&S

Co-ordination • Library Services • Tourism and & Economic

Development • Public Cemeteries • Information Technology • Records Management • Fire & Emergency Services

• Development Control • Building Services • Public Health • Environmental Management • Pollution Control • Law Enforcement • Community Development • Strategic Planning • Community Services • Flood Plain Management

• Roads & Bridges • Parks & Recreation • Plant & Equipment • Water & Sewerage • Waste Management • Vegetation Control • Quarries • Buildings & Asset

Maintenance • Emergency Management

COMMUNITY

COUNCIL Council Committees MAYOR

Mayorex Committee GENERAL MANAGER

Mike Colreavy Manex & Staff Committees

ENV. HEALTH & PLANNING

Director: Charlie Hannavy

CORPORATE SERVICES

Director: Peter Wilson

ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS

Director: Wayne Butler


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Management Executive Team

The General Manager, together with the senior management team form the Management Executive Team (MANEX) which is responsible for the functional implementation of Council’s decisions and directions and provide professional and technical advice to staff, councillors and relevant committee members. Delegations from Council to the General Manager enable the Council to concentrate on important policy issues and matters impacting on the Shire. The General Managers’ delegated powers allow for more efficient and effective operations and expedient implementation of Council decisions. General Manager

Mike Colreavy 14 November 2005 - present

Director of Corporate Services

Peter Wilson 4 January 2006 - present

Director of Engineering & Operations

Mike Edsall *

Wayne Butler

21 November 2005 – 4 July 2010

4 January 2010 - present

Director of Environmental Health & Planning

Charlie Hannavy

22 January 2007 – present

* Mike Edsall finished work on 20 November 2009 to take extended leave prior to his official

retirement in July 2010

Bellingen Council to appoint a new General Manager In April Councillors endorsed the establishment of a selection committee and to engage Local Government Management Solutions, an arm of the Local Government and Shires Associations, to recruit a new general manager. After more than 34 years in local government and five years as General Manager of Bellingen Council, Mike Colreavy will retire in November 2010, after having his four year contract extended by 12 months in November 2009.


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Vision, Mission & Strategic Framework

Vision

A Shire of outstanding natural beauty, scenic rural landscapes and attractive towns and villages with a distinctive local character. A prosperous and cohesive community enjoying a variety of satisfying lifestyles, a wide range of employment opportunities, and high quality infrastructure, services and facilities.

Mission To enhance our community’s lifestyle and protect our unique environment through effective leadership, community involvement and commitment to service.

Strategic Framework Leadership and Governance Goal Effective community leadership through good governance and sound administration.

Four Year Priorities • Improve and promote the Management Plan as a shared strategic framework for priority

setting and coordination within Council and with other key stakeholders. • Maintain a sound financial position and examine options for increasing revenue and

reducing costs. • Work effectively with a wide range of community groups and other stakeholders both

through existing joint committees and by establishing new partnerships. • Enhance the flow of information to the community on Council's activities and support

necessary community involvement in planning and decision-making processes. • Enhance information & communications technology resources and consider e-business

options. • Improve governance policies and procedures. • Continue to develop the skills and capacity of Council's workforce to meet changing

needs. Economic Development Goal Increased prosperity through targeted economic and tourism development. Four Year Priorities • Continue to implement the Bellingen Shire Economic Development Plan, including

preparation of strategies for creative industries, agribusiness, marine and freshwater aquaculture, and promotion of regional and local cuisine.


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• Implement the Industrial Land Strategy, including preparation of a Local Environmental Plan for proposed industrial estates at Urunga and Dorrigo.

• Formulate business strategies to guide Council's involvement in tourism, caravan parks

• Support for community economic development activities, and retention of an investment property portfolio.

Sustainability and Environment Goal Sustainable growth, conservation of environmental resources and enhanced quality of life.

Four Year Priorities • Implement the Growth Management Strategy and Sustainability Framework.

• Ensure Council is well placed to implement the State Government's proposed changes to proposals for strategic and local planning.

• Continue to improve the State of Environment Reporting and give a higher priority to environmental management issues in the Management Plan.

• Prepare a Town Centre Plan for Urunga and continue to implement appropriate development controls and townscape improvement programs to enhance the character of all major centres.

• Undertake floodplain management studies for the Upper Bellinger and Kalang rivers.

• Maintain a strong focus on vegetation management, control of noxious weeds and improving water quality in rivers.

• Implement the management plan for the lower Bellinger river and estuary, and undertake a scoping study to determine longer-term management issues and options for the coastal zone.

• Introduce an Environmental Levy and consult with the community with regard to allocation of revenue collected.

Transport and Infrastructure

Goal A safe, efficient transport system and other high quality infrastructure.

Four Year Priorities • Introduce upgraded asset management systems and establish an overall plan for Shire

roads to set appropriate and affordable standards ('levels of service').

• In cooperation with neighbouring Councils, seek further improvements to the Waterfall Way and provision of an alternative sealed route from Dorrigo to the coast.

• Strongly promote the Shire's interests in relation to planning for upgrading and realignment of the Pacific Highway.


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• Finalise planning and if necessary commence works to upgrade water supply systems serving the Bellingen and the Urunga areas and sewerage systems in Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga.

• Update business plans for water and sewerage.

• Progress the long-term waste management strategy for the collection and processing of domestic and commercial waste.

• Place selected engineering operations on a more commercial footing and prepare necessary business plans.

• Review allocation of Section 94 contributions in the light of legislative changes.

• Progress to final plans and implementation of Bellingen CBD study.

Community Wellbeing Goal Community wellbeing and equitable access to adequate community services and facilities.

Four Year Priorities • Update Council's Social Action Plan as an umbrella framework to guide service provision

and promote greater community wellbeing.

• Enhance partnerships and coordination with community organisations, government agencies and other providers to secure needed services.

• Maintain efforts to promote understanding and cooperation with the Shire's indigenous population.

• Ensure effective implementation of the Disability Action Plan and associated Development Control Plan.

• Prepare a business strategy for ongoing management of swimming pools within available resources.

• Develop proposals for an expanded library facility for Bellingen.

• Complete investigations for a replacement Tidal Pool for Urunga.


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The Year in Review

Council recorded a number of significant achievements during 2009/10 in achieving the objectives within the Strategic Directions set out in the 2009/10-2012/13 Management Plan. These highlights are outlined as follows: July

• As part of the ongoing changes to the NSW Planning system, the State Government introduced ‘independent’ regional planning panels, effective from 1 July 2010, to determine development applications of regional significance. There are six regional planning panels across the State with Bellingen Shire to be served by the northern RPP.

• From 1 July Council was no longer the Trust Manager for the North Beach Caravan

Park and Hungry Heads Cabins. These facilities will now form part of the recently gazetted Bellinger Heads State Park and management responsibility rests with the NSW Department of Lands.

• NSW State Government Waste and Environmental Levy implemented as of 1 July. The levy applies to all coastal councils located north of Port Stephens. From 1 July 2009 waste disposed to landfills will attract a levy of $10 tonne and the levy will increase by $10 each year until it reaches around $70 tonne by the year 2015/16.

• Bellingen Shire marked NAIDOC Week (July 5 to 12) by hosting a Smoking Ceremony and morning tea at the Bellingen Library on Saturday 11 July. Local Elder Uncle Tom Kelly opened the celebrations with a ‘Welcome to Country’ followed by an address by the Mayor. A small crowd was entertained by Barbara Weaver of Dorrigo and entertaining company the Gumbaynggirr Elders Choir. The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week, ‘Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth’, reflected the contribution of Elders to our communities as inspirational leaders and nurturers of young people. It encompassed the achievement of Elders past and present and looks to the future.

• Project priorities for application of the $158,000 to be received under the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) Round 2 adopted.

• Donations under Section 356 Local Government Act totalling $38,356 approved.

• Report considered by Council on options and action plan for the development of a

Community Services Centre hub and Youth Space on the council owned William Street property.

• Funding Agreements executed for two projects under the Area Assistance Scheme 2009 amounting to $125,000. The Young, Fun, Together As One project received funding of $65,000 for the upgrade of the skate park infrastructure at Jarrett Park, Bellingen. The Reaching Youth – Enriching Lives project received funding of $60,000 to provide a dedicated youth outreach facility in the Dorrigo Community Centre.

• Bellingen Shire Council Statement of Reconciliation adopted.

• Strategic Land Use Planning Program adopted.


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• Panel Contract awarded for the supply of Traffic Control Services for a two year

period at an estimated annual cost of $340,000.

• Council’s partnership with Coffs Harbour City Council, the Coffs Coast Tourism Alliance, was successful in attracting $128,000 in NSW State Government co-funding to undertake promotion of the Coffs Coast, including the Waterfall Way, as the premier experiences.

• Bellingen Local Environmental Plan (BLEP) and the Lower Bellinger and Kalang River flood extent maps went electronic, with the maps being able to be accessed on the Council’s website.

• An alliance designed to promote local food production and supply was officially launched in Coffs Harbour on 28 July. The Local Food Futures Alliance was formed in June last year, aimed at developing a strong local food economy based on sustainable agricultural practices. The alliance includes representatives from the local community, the Bellingen and Coffs Harbour councils and the North Coast Area Health Service. The vision is to create a strong, sustainable, resilient and socially just local food economy for the Coffs Coast region into the future.

August

• Council hosted a climate change workshop on 1 August, in conjunction with a discussion forum facilitated by the local environmental organisation ‘Eco-Bello’, to enable the community to have input into the Bellingen Shire Emission Reduction Program (BERP) and the community emission reduction target.

• Campaigners for the Cameron's Corner wetlands celebrated after receiving news the

RTA was deferring proposed roadworks at the site. The RTA said that the decision had been taken following strong community response to its environmental assessment and the Council's advice that it no longer supported the preferred option. Improvements at Cameron's Corner will now be deferred until funding is available to reassess the route options.

• Council resolved to maintain the current Organisational Structure and that the

General Manager’s position remain the only “Senior Staff” position within the structure.

• Delegations of Authority to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General Manager reviewed.

• Bellingen Shire Council Code of Conduct adopted following a review.

• Privacy Management Plan adopted.

• Funds of $25,944 committed to repair the fibreglass lining of the main pool at the

Dorrigo Swimming Centre.

• Panel Contract awarded for the supply of Quarry Materials at an estimated annual cost of $698,500.

• Tenders awarded for the supply of plant and trucks at a nett cost of $952,039.


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• The formation of a single Local Emergency Management Committee between Coffs

Harbour City Council and Bellingen Shire Council was approved by Council.

• Tender accepted for the restoration of the landslip at Short Street Lane, Bellingen for $143,000.

• Support given to the concept of the development of a basketball stadium at the Urunga Recreation Reserve.

• As from August library members had the option to receive their library notices via SMS or email.

September

• Work completed on the construction of a new 2 metre wide concrete footpath between the northern end of Church Street, Bellingen and Lavenders Bridge. The $80,000 project was funded by Council (75%) and the RTA (25%) as part of Council’s Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).

• Councillor Child elected as Deputy Mayor.

• Organisational Structure review adopted.

• Tender accepted from Australian Lifeguard Service for the Provision of Life Saving

Services for a period of four years, commencing in the 2009/10 Season, at a Year 1 cost of $75,677.

• Clarence Regional Library Strategic Plan 2008-2018 and Action Plan endorsed.

• Council resolved to abolish its administered sports fund and to make an annual

contribution of $1,000 to the non-profit Bellingen Shire Go Bello Go Sports Fund, commencing in 2009/10.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy reviewed and the updated Workplace Equity and Diversity Plan was adopted, following the endorsement by the EEO Committee and the Staff Consultative Committee.

• Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Land and Property Management Authority, for the joint management of the Bellinger Heads State Park, which was gazetted on 7 March 2008.

• A Summary Report of grant funding applications lodged, totalling $6,576,555, and outlining the success in obtaining grant funding of $550,671 as at August 2009 was submitted to Council.

October

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Land and Property Management Authority, for the joint management of the Bellinger Heads State Park, executed 12 October 2009.

• Council as a significant reconciliation gesture decided to formally name the Council

Park in Hyde Street, Bellingen the “Maam-Gaduying”…”Meeting Place Park”, as the name represents ‘Meeting Place’ in the Gumbayngirr language.


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• Vacant land at Lot 1 Ferry Street, Urunga to be reclassified from community land to

operational land by an LEP, in order for the land to be disposed of.

• Council resolved to nominate in Group 3 to implement the new legislated Integrated Planning & Reporting framework. The Local Government Amendment (Planning and Reporting) Act 2009 provides transitional provisions for phasing in of the new legislation with Council required to have a number of strategic planning processes in place by 30 June 2012. These include a Community Strategic Plan, Community Engagement Strategy, Resourcing Strategy (including Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan and a Workforce Management Plan), a Delivery Program and an Operational Plan.

• Bellingen Shire Social Plan 2010-2015 adopted.

• The draft Coffs Coast Local Food Futures Framework that proposed measures to grow a sustainable local food economy for the Coffs Coast was exhibited for public consultation. The draft Framework was created through the Coffs Coast Local Food Futures Alliance (LFFA), which aims to bring fresh local produce to tables throughout the region. The Coffs Coast Local Food Futures Alliance was formed in June 2008 when members of community groups throughout Coffs Harbour and Bellingen came together with government agencies to look at ways to bring food production and supply back to the local level. The Alliance’s vision is to create a sustainable local food economy that supports and sustains healthy, connected, strong and resilient communities that actively care for each other and their environment. The draft Framework puts forward a series of key initiatives that will help develop such a local food economy.

November • Mr Geoff Allen, Council’s Auditor from Forsyth’s Business Services Pty Ltd presented

the Audit Report, Financial Statements and the audit of Council’s financial records for the year ended 30 June 2009.

• Council resolved to join with NoROC and MIDGOC in making a joint business case

submission to the Department of broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy for the NSW North Coast to be the first region on the mainland for the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN).

• Comprehensive State of the Environment Report 2008/09 adopted.

• Modification to the Organisational Structure approved.

• The demountable buildings and heritage stables, on the former Telstra site, to be made available for the establishment of a local Youth Space area, subject to Y2A’s submission and approval of a Development Application prior to any occupation or use of the site.

December

• A presentation was made to Mr Col Dagger at the December Council Meeting in appreciation of his 20 years of service as he was retiring in January 2010.

• Rural Fire Service (RFS) Bellingen District RFFF 2010/11 Estimates totalling

$2,086,277 adopted.


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• Council adopted an emission reduction target of 40% on 1990 levels by 2020.

• Development Consent granted for a 24 lot residential subdivision at Brigalow Caravan

Park, Urunga.

• Tender from Nviroscope Pty Ltd accepted for the rehabilitation of Buffer Creek Bridge on Gordonville Road at a price of $64,900.

• Council informed of the introduction of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) and the implications for Council. The Act introduces an entirely new scheme for providing public access to government information.

• The Mayor Mark Troy delivered Bellingen Shire Council’s Statement of Reconciliation at a ceremony held in the “Maam-Gaduying’ Meeting Place Park on Wednesday 16 December 2009.

• Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser MP, announced that the Urunga SLSC is to receive $29,000, under the Community Building Partnership Grants Program (Coffs Harbour electorate), to complete the club’s storage shed.

• Bellingen and Nambucca Shire Councils were successful in gaining $80,000, under the NSW Health Communities Scheme, for a youth alcohol education program. The program will target young people between the ages of 14 and 17 years, aiming to help them make responsible choices regarding alcohol. The funding will see a part-time project manager appointed to develop and oversee the initiatives.

• A second progress report on the implementation of the recommendations from the Department of Local Government Promoting Better Practice Program Review Report June 2008 was submitted to the Department of Local Government in December. The Review Report contained fifty eight (58) recommendations across six areas and the first progress report on the implementation of the recommendations was submitted to the Department of Local Government in December 2008. The Department responded in February 2009 noting the significant progress made and commended Council for its efforts.

January

• Funding of $50,000 offered to Council, under the Community Building Partnership Grants Program (Oxley electorate), for the construction of the North Bellingen cycleway. These funds together with Section 94 Developer Contributions of $90,000 and $16,000 from the Environmental Levy will enable approximately 130 metres of cycle/pathway to be built off the northern end of Lavenders Bridge. The project will include removing the collapsing log retaining wall and replacing it with a masonry wall. The steps will also be eliminated and the planned kerbside path will provide much safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Free Wireless became available at the Shire Branch libraries.

• Australia Day celebrations held at Dorrigo.

February

• The NSW Rural Fire Service ended the statutory Bush Fire Dangar Period, for the Coffs harbour and Bellingen LGAs, on 19 February due to continuing mild weather conditions.


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• A Council deputation met with the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Health in

Sydney on the 24 February to convey concerns about the service reductions at the Bellinger River District Hospital.

• Annual Report 2008/09 endorsed

• Code of Meeting Practice adopted. The Code was revised to reflect further changes

recommended by the Department of Local Government Meetings Practice Note (August 2009).

• Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy adopted.

• Priorities adopted for application of the $158,000 in funding under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) Round 2. The projects identified were the Stage 2 construction of the Urunga SLSC storage shed ($4,000), the upgrade of the stage, hall entrance and acoustics at the Dorrigo Community Hall ($100,000) and the upgrade of playground facilities at McNally Street, Bellingen ($5,000). Funds of $60,000, made up of $49,000 from the RLCIP and $11,000 from Council funds, were also earmarked for the upgrade of existing playground facilities at Dangar Falls, Dorrigo and Connell Park, Bellingen and for the provision of new playground equipment at the Urunga Library.

• Revised Strategic Land Use Planning Program adopted.

• Council accepted ownership of the Dorrigo Helicopter Landing Site.

• Council resolved to lodge four applications under the State Government’s Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme, seeking funding to undertake a range of natural disaster risk assessments and risk reduction works. The projects included the Central Urunga Flood Study Option 2, Wheatley Street/Tamarind Drive, Bellingen Catchment Study, and provision of Roadside Flood markers and the protection of Kalang Road from river erosion at Moodys Bridge.

• The reconstruction of Boggy Creek Bridge on Boggy Creek Road, west of Bellingen, completed. The works resulted from the flooding events experienced in 2009.

• Work completed on anew pontoon for boat users at Mylestom. Jointly funded by Council and the NSW Maritime, the works included the installation of a pontoon and gangway, allowing recreational users safe access in and out of their boats.

March

• Organisational Structure amended to incorporate a revised structure for the Department of Environmental Health & Planning.

• Council entered into a new Licence Agreement with Youth 2 Adult (Y2A), for use of

the of the old Telstra site in Church Street, Bellingen, for a period of 10 years with a further 10 year option. The demountable buildings and heritage stables will be converted into a Youth Space.


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• Bushfire Risk Management Plan was released for public comment. The Mid North

Coast draft Plans and maps describe the level of bushfire risk across the Coffs Coast and outlines strategies to minimise the threat. The plan, devised by the Mid North Coast Bushfire Management Committee, identifies bushfire issues, identifies assets at risk, assesses the level of risk, establishes ‘treatment strategies’ to minimise the risk, and those who are responsible for carrying out those treatments.

April

• Council and the Thora Hall Management Committee were allocated $28,350 from the State Government’s Community Halls Renewal Fund, to be used to provide better access facilities, installation of insulation in the ceiling space, an air conditioning system in the kitchen and the acquisition of an electronic communication notice board. The Hall provides a focus for people who live in the rural community and is a place to meet for social occasions and provides a venue for a vast range of other activities.

• A presentation was made to Mr Bob Morrison at the April Council Meeting in

appreciation of his 25 years of service and wishing him well in his retirement.

• Debt Recovery Policy adopted.

• Council endorsed the progress report of the “Our Living Coast” sustainability initiative that is being conducted in partnership with the three Coffs Coast Councils with $1.998M in funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, under the Urban Sustainability Program. The project is designed to improve biodiversity and sustainability outcomes and build and strengthen partnerships at both a regional and local level.

• Tender awarded for the Design and Construction of Stage 4 of the Urunga Boardwalk

for the amount of $360,000. Stage 4 will extend the existing boardwalk to the mouth of the river along the contours of the seawall. The width and style will match the existing boardwalk and will be approximately 400 metres in length.

• A preliminary investigation and assessment report on the landslip damage to the Bowraville to Bellingen Road (Main Road 118) estimates that the cost to repair the damaged road segments ranges from $25M to $30M. During the extreme flood events experienced in 2009 the road suffered major storm damage due to landslides and scouring of embankments and was closed as a result.

• As part of a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Council implemented a fleet management strategy aimed at reducing the number and size of light vehicles in its fleet. The strategy will promote the adoption of more fuel efficient 4 cylinder vehicles instead of the larger 6 cylinder vehicles.

• An ongoing collaboration between Council, the Heart Foundation and the North Coast Area Health Service was recognised with the publication of a case study on the Premier’s Council for Active Living website. The case study describes efforts to embed healthy planning principles into Council’s planning policies and to provide a greater focus on programs or services that will improve the health of residents of the shire.

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• Restoration of part of South Arm Road and the reconstruction of the collapsed culvert

in Crown Street Bellingen commenced. The damage to the roads was caused by the flood events in 2009 and the projects are funded under the Federal and State Governments Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements.

May • A Think Tank was held on the 13 May to bring together young people, local business

and key industry stakeholders to explore innovative and creative opportunities for youth employment. The Think Tank was organised by the Bellingen Sustainable Business Alliance (BSBA), an initiative of the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce, Council and OzGREEN.

• Kalang River Health Plan adopted.

• As part of the NSW Government’s Planning Reform Program, Council was required to

rationalise its planning controls so that only one Development Control Plan applied to any parcel of land with the Shire. This reform is designed to accompany the adoption of the Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and to reduce the complexity of the planning system. The Draft Bellingen Shire Development Control Plan 2010 was prepared in accordance with the reform program and was placed on public exhibition for comment.

June

• The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, visited Urunga on the 4 June to officially announce that the Federal Government will provide $1.4 million for a range of CBD beautification projects in Urunga, Bellingen and Dorrigo.

In Bellingen, the Church Street north al fresco dining area will be upgraded with the formalisation of angle parking and a new pedestrian entry threshold off Hyde Street. A viewing platform will be built to provide views of the river and mountains.

Below it, Jarrett Park will be transformed with a major expansion of the skate park and the building of an all-weather basketball court and a performance platform. The park will be landscaped and new pathways will lead to a viewing platform on the river bank.

Footpaths and pedestrian crossings in the Urunga town centre are in for an upgrade and the upgrades in Hickory Street, Dorrigo north of Waterfall Way will be duplicated south of the War Memorial and pedestrian safety improved.

Central to the works program will be the creation of an indigenous green team.

• The youth of Bellingen EYE were thrilled that Council had decided to support their “No Plastic, Fantastic” campaign to make the Bellingen township plastic bag free in 2010/11. The official campaign launch was held at the New Energy Festival on 5 June.

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• Council gave the approval for the construction of the new Dorrigo sewerage treatment

plant to be brought forward from the year 2020. This decision was in response to concerns raised by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) of possible contamination of the Bielsdown River. The construction of the new treatment plant is to be completed by December 2012 at an estimated cost of $4.8M.

• Management Plan for 2010/11 – 2013/14 and Four Year Forward Financial Plan

adopted.

• Information Technology Strategic Plan adopted. The Plan was developed in response to the Promoting Better Practice Review undertaken by the Department of Local Government in December 2007, and released in June 2008, which recommended that Council develop a comprehensive information systems/technology strategy to support its corporate goals.

• Pet owners in the Shire have responded to a registration drive by Council with figures showing a 63% increase in dog registrations and a 50% increase in cat registrations over the last 18 months.


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Flood Report released in October

Tourism, the effect of power outages on the dairy industry, community mental health, flood education and emergency warning systems were among the ongoing issues listed for further discussion by Ken Moroney in his report on the region's autumn floods.

Mr Moroney was the recovery co-ordinator for the north coast floods in May 2009 and his report also referred to the 31 March flood in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.

Mr Moroney noted in his report that the impact on the region and its residents was multiplied by the floods, storms and heavy rainfall which affected the area in February, March, April and May 2009.

He recommended a review of the composition and functions of recovery committees and recovery centres to provide residents with more holistic government services and recommended that local state members of parliament should be invited as observers onto their local recovery committee, while local mayors should be appointed as local recovery co-ordinators.

Mr Moroney reported that recovery centres were the key to community satisfaction with the process of flood recovery and noted that Coffs Harbour's flood recovery centre had served as the model for others in the region.

He said concerns were raised with him about the number of devices for early warning of flood levels and their accuracy.

Mr Moroney recommended a properly structured and focused community based flood education and awareness program and that the use of portable electronic message switching devices and static emergency advice signs be discussed with the RTA and the ABC.

A generator subsidy scheme for dairy farmers affected by power outages was one possible solution to farmers who were unable to milk, had cows contract mastitis, had to throw out stored milk because of prolonged blackouts and farms cut off from factories as flood waters cut roads.

As an accidental by-product of metropolitan media reporting, it was felt tourism was affected as visitors avoided the area even once 'a level of normality' had returned to local roads.

Mr Moroney said Tourism NSW needed to be engaged at such a critical time.

Natural disaster declared for the Mid-North Coast

The New South Wales Government declared the mid-north coast shires of Nambucca and Bellingen natural disaster areas on the 29 October 2009. The flash flooding compounded damage from the four floods since February

Mid-North Coast region floods for the fifth time

The NSW Government on the 7 November 2009 declared Bellingen, Nambucca and Kempsey Shires and Coffs Harbour City Council natural disaster zones, after a deluge of rain drenched the region and cut off entire communities.


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The declaration enabled the local councils to receive state government assistance to repair roads, bridges, water bores and other public infrastructure. It was the fifth time in the year that the region was hit by severe floods.

A Bureau of Meteorology climatologist told the ABC Radio that Bellingen had already had its wettest year on record, with 3,416 millimetres for the year to date (10 November). The previous highest rainfall for Bellingen was 2,895 millimetres in 1921.

The Bellingen Shire Courier Sun newspaper detailed rainfall figures for Bellingen Shire since 1900 on the 6 January 2010 which showed that 3,638 millimetres had been recorded for 2009.

Council Park officially named ‘Maam Gaduying’ The open space in front of the Council’s Administration Building was officially named the ‘Maam Gaduying’ or ‘Meeting Place Park’, on Wednesday 16 December 2009. Maam Gaduying means meeting place in the Gumgayngirr language. Mayor Mark Troy and local elder, Uncle Tom Kelly unveiled a sign as part of the ceremony and the Mayor also made a declaration of the Statement of Reconciliation.

Cr Troy said the previous Council agreed to begin the process of developing a Statement of Reconciliation in August 2007. Discussions subsequently took place with Aboriginal community representatives and the draft statement was sent to five Gumbayngirr organisations for endorsement.

The Statement will make a positive contribution to the well being of the Shires aboriginal community in particular and to the boarder community. The Statement is intended to promote a sense of unity and community harmony through acceptance, appreciation of our aboriginal people’s culture and traditional connection. It demonstrates Councils leadership and commitment to the principles of social justice and equity for all members of our community.

The Mayor stated that he considered the declaration of the Statement of Reconciliation and naming of the cherished green community space "Maam Gaduying" or "Meeting Place" is the most significant local reconciliation action undertaken in his time in Local Government and perhaps his lifetime.

Cr Troy also said that Aunty Bea Ballangarry had recently visited the site and this is what she had to say: "An excellent example of growing a community without the need for dollars is the discussions that took place to name this park Maam Gaduying. What this has done for me as an individual Elder in my Tribal Country is feel the move towards a more respectful inclusiveness. To have my Gumbayngirr language publicly identifying a ‘place’ especially a meeting place is a powerful statement. The natural progression that follows this change is immeasurable.”

Australia Day – celebrating Australian Identity and Culture

Bellingen Shire turned on a great show for Australia Day 2010, with hundreds of people flocking to the local community event held in the main street of Dorrigo to celebrate our national day, and above all, to celebrate being Australian with pride and flair. The driving force behind community radio station 2bbb, Ms Dorin Hart was awarded the 2010 Bellingen Shire Citizen of the Year. The announcement was made by the Bellingen Shire Ambassador, Clown Doctor Peter Spitzer.


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Dorin Hart has been a part of Radio 2bbb since the mid 1980s in various positions including chairperson, news co-ordinator and trainer. But it was her role during the March 2009 floods that kept the station afloat as floodwaters inundated the building in Wheatley Street, North Bellingen.

The 2bbb building required extensive restoration and again Dorin Hart put her hand up to supervise the refurbishment and the smooth switch over from the studios to an OB van in the main street of Bellingen over a three week period.

The outcome was that 2bbb stayed on air for the whole period of the renovation shutdown at Wheatley Street and the studios were renewed with a new kitchen, equipment, carpet and paint. The workmen commented positively on the whole exercise which ran smoothly and harmoniously with Dorin in charge.

Her nominees stated “this small example illustrates the outstanding and mindful contribution Dorin Hart makes on a regular basis to the community”.

The Event of the Year was the Dorrigo Relay For Life which raised over $30,000 for cancer research. Planning began in May last year and culminated in 280 representatives in 20 teams walking on a sloppy, miserable field in heavy rain in early November.

The Bellingen High School Student Representative Council received the Community Group Award in recognition of the students who unselfishly gave up their lunch times, recesses and morning for numerous charities.

The Senior Team of the Year was the Dorrigo Fire Brigade. As well as protecting the Dorrigo community, the 14 members of the brigade competed very successfully at State, National and International championships.

In 2009 in Tamworth, the team finished third in the State competing against 60 much larger towns. They went on to represent NSW and Australia in New Zealand where they finished with a silver medal and overall 11th pacing out of 30 teams. They were the number two ranked team in NSW and number 3 in Australia.

The Junior Team of the Year was the Bellingen High School under 16 Futsal Team. The team won the Mid North Coast Zone title, were runners-up in the North Coast Regional Carnival and overall runners-up at the National Carnival, losing the final 4-2 to St Andrews from the Gold Coast.

Outstanding junior lawn bowler, Corey Wedlock was the recipient of the Junior Sportsperson of the Year. He was the first junior to win the Urunga Bowling Club’s minor singles title and is the District under 18 singles and pairs champion, a remarkable effort for a 13-year-old.

Congratulations to the award winners.

Citizen of the Year Dorin Hart

Young Citizen of the Year Robert Sherrington Junior Sportsperson of the Year Corey Wedlock

Team of the Year - Junior Bellingen High School 16 yrs girls Futsal Team Team of the Year - Senior Dorrigo Fire Brigade

Community Group Bellingen High School Students Representative Council Community Event of the Year Dorrigo Relay For Life


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Coffs Coast Tourism Marketing Campaign

Coffs Coast Marketing co-ordinated a major tourism marketing campaign in February to help the local industry to recover from the disastrous weather events of March 2009.

The collaborative campaign was between Coffs Harbour City Council, Bellingen and Nambucca Shire Councils, Coffs Coast Tourism Association, Tourism Bellinger and Nambucca Valley Tourism, with many businesses coming on board to support the campaign.

In addition to the NSW State Government funding of $300,000, the campaign was also funded partly through the Coffs Coast Marketing budget, partly through the Tourism NSW Promotions Fund and partly through the three Coffs Coast councils.

The money put forward from the State Government flood-recovery funding which was required to be used solely for promotion to assist in reinvigorating travel to the region. The wider reach of the campaign included a dedicated website, television advertising, a direct email campaign, print and online advertising and brochures.

Of the $300,000 committed to the campaign, 67 per cent went to tourism industry bodies on the Mid North Coast while the Northern Rivers industry received the remaining 33 per cent.

Campaign to entice coastal visitors “Time Away? Go the Waterfall Way”

Coffs Coast residents and visitors were invited in the month of February 2010 to spend some Time Away and Go the Waterfall Way. The invitation was part of a Waterfall Way television marketing campaign, a partnership between Armidale Dumaresq Council, Bellingen Shire Council and Tourism Bellinger, with support from Tourism NSW.

A series of television commercials promoting the region ran in the Coffs Coast area throughout February, showcasing some of the scenery and attractions on the Waterfall Way.

Waterfall Way is a scenic drive that begins in Urunga and finishes in Armidale, taking in Bellingen, Dorrigo, Ebor and Wollomombi and passing some of Australia’s most breathtaking National Parks, including New England, Oxley Wild Rivers, Cathedral Rock, Guy Fawkes River and Dorrigo. The drive has made the list of the Top 10 Australia’s Greatest Drives by domestic tourism magazine, Australian Traveller.

The campaign slogan, ‘Time Away? Go the Waterfall Way’, was designed to encourage people to visit the area and enjoy all the region has to offer. The television commercials directed people to a special website containing accommodation, retail and dining offers and there was also a special information number for the campaign.

The aim of the campaign was to encourage people who live in or are visiting the Coffs Coast region to drive the Waterfall Way and stay in Armidale for at least one night, do some shopping and dining out while they are here, then go home and tell their friends and family how wonderful our region is,


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Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. It represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home.

Citizenship ceremonies are often presided over by officials including the Australian Governor General, Prime Minister, Government Ministers and local government Mayors.

Citizenship brings with it significant rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, stand for public office, and travel on an Australian passport. Our rich heritage stems from the contributions made by all who chose to live here.

Council welcomes its 17 new Citizens who received their Australian Citizenship

26 January 2010 Anthony DAVIS Wai CHEUNG David NORTON

Penelope NORTON Sally PAGULAYAN Gary PHILLIPS Keri PHILLIPS Poppy PHILLIPS Summer PHILLIPS Renate ROHRL Rory SCALLAN Sandra SCALLAN

24 May 2010 Glenda BORSBOOM Joanna DADD Stefano GUICCIARRDI Jhilmil KAR Debbie LANCASTER


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Statutory Disclosures

Condition of Public Works [Section 428(2)(d) LGA 1993]

Condition of Public Works - Special Schedule No. 7 (as at 30 June 2010)

ASSET CLASS/ASSET CATEGORY

Written

Down Value 30/06/10

$000’s

Asset

Condition 30/06/10

(see code descriptors)

Estimated

cost to bring to

Satisfactory Standard

$000’s

Required Annual

Maintenance

$000’s

Current Annual

Maintenance

$000,s Public Buildings Council Offices 3,519 1 0 25 18

Works Depot 1,765 4 3,000 50 10 Emergency Services 1,233 1 0 15 10 Museum 369 2 0 15 3 Library 2,013 1 0 15 6 Childcare Centres 3,140 2 50 20 0 Parks and Reserves 3,797 3 200 40 110

Public Halls 1,828 3 75 100 18 Other 831 2 0 12 16 Amenities and Toilets 587 3 200 40 50 19,082 3,525 332 241 Public Roads Sealed Roads 253,084 4 4,000 790 4,081

Unsealed Roads 80,057 3 900 250 2,821 Bridges 18,670 3 700 250 846 Footpaths 2,588 3 25 6 12 Kerb & Gutter 7,687 3 100 5 4

Car Parks 291 3 50 5 7 362,377 5,775 1,306 7,771

Water Treatment Plants 1,952 2 0 39 42 Reservoirs 4,117 3 100 11 4 Pipelines 18,093 3 500 92 80 Pump Stations 419 2 0 16 6 4,581 600 158 132

Sewerage Pump Stations 2,936 3 250 79 81 Pipelines 11,086 4 500 75 112 Treatment Works 4,379 2 0 87 112 18,401 750 241 305

Drainage Works All Drainage 14,964 3 280 85 90 14,964 280 85 90

Total - All Asset Classes 439,405 10,930 2,122 8,539

Notes (1) Satisfactory refers to estimated cost to bring the asset to a satisfactory condition as

deemed by Council. It does not include any planned enhancements to the existing asset. (2) Required Annual Maintenance is what should be spent to maintain assets in a satisfactory

standard. (3) Current Annual Maintenance is what has been spent in the current year to maintain

assets.

Asset Condition Codes (as per NSW Local Government Asset Accounting Manual) 1 Near Perfect – ranges from New to Good 2 Superficial Deterioration – ranges from generally Good to Fair 3 Deterioration Evident – ranges from Fair to Marginal 4 Requires Major Reconstruction – ranges from Poor to Critical 5 Asset Unserviceable – Critical beyond repair

In assessing the replacement rate of depreciating assets it is important to note that Special Schedule No 7, which is an unaudited statement prepared in conjunction with the financial report, discloses that the estimated cost to bring assets to a satisfactory standard is $10.93M including $5.6M for roads and bridges.


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Legal Proceedings [Section 428(2)(e) LGA 1993]

In 2009/10 Council’s expenditure on legal proceedings was $24,406 compared to $9,853 in the previous year. These expenses related to the seeking of legal advice on various matters, the sale and purchase of land, consideration of tenders, road closures and representation of council in third party appeals against council orders.

Matter Costs $ Handling of Native Title Claims 375

Advice - Designated Development – Aged Care Facility Raleigh 580

Advice – Industrial Matters 9,791

Lease preparation – Bonville Street Urunga 869

Lease preparation – Lot 1 DP776432 Church Street Bellingen 878

Lease preparation – Oyster Shed on Road Reserve 771

Debt Recovery costs not recoverable 5,218

Local Court proceedings – BSC v Cleary 250

Local Court proceedings – BSC v Johnston 700

Advice – Prohibition on keeping of dogs 1,152

Advice – Use of Service Poles 921

Advice – Billing Cattle Crossing 2,499

Legal Costs Assistance (LGSA) – Berrigan Shire and Murray Shire Councils 402

$24,406

Elected Members’ Expenses [Section 428(2)(f) LGA 1993]

Mayor and Councillor Fees The fees payable to the Mayor and Councillors are determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. Each year the Tribunal reviews the fees payable to the Mayor and Councillors and determines the minimum and maximum fees for each category of Councils. As at 1 July 2008 there were 152 General Purpose Councils and 16 County Councils. Bellingen Shire Council is classified as a Category 4 Council. The Tribunal released its determination in respect to fees payable to Mayors and Councillors for 2009/10 on 29 April 2009. The Tribunal considered that an increase of 2.50% in the fees was appropriate. The Tribunal found that there was no strong case to significantly alter the current categories of Councillor and Mayor offices or to move individual Councils between categories. The Tribunal did however apply descriptive titles for each of the categories.


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The Tribunal determined the range of fees for Category 4 Councils - Rural to be as follows: Mayoral fees – Minimum $7,480 Maximum $20,280 Councillor fees – Minimum $7,040 Maximum $9,290 At its Ordinary Meeting held on 22 July 2009 Council considered the Tribunal’s report and resolved that the annual fee to be paid to the Mayor be $20,280 and the annual fee to be paid to Councillors be $9,290. The total fees paid to the Mayor and Councillors in 2009/10 was $85,310 compared to $81,889 in 2008/09. Councillor support and expenses Council has adopted a policy concerning the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to the Mayor and Councillors in relation to the discharging of their civic functions. The policy was reviewed in November 2009. [See Annexure V]

A summary of the Councillors’ expenses and facilities paid in accordance with the policy during the twelve month period ending 30 June 2010 is as follows: Expenses 2008/09 2009/10 Attendance at conferences and seminars $15,899 $16,848 Travelling expenses $9,568 $3,131 Councillor support and provision of facilities $23,849 $17,232 Training of councillors and provision of skill development – $1,127 Overseas visits by councillors, including transport, accommodation and other out of pocket expenses – Nil $ Expenses involved in the provision of care for a child or an immediate family member of a councillor – Nil $

Senior Staff Remuneration Packages [Section 428(2)(g)]

Council had one Senior Staff position under its structure as at 30 June 2010 that being the General Manager. The total remuneration package of $158,890 payable to the General Manager included salary, provision of a Council owned motor vehicle and superannuation costs.


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Contracts Awarded [Section 428(2)(h) LGA 1993]

Supplier Contract Duration of

Contract Contract Sum $

22 July 2009 Panel Tenderers - Men at Work Traffic Services, Midcoast Traffic Services, Workforce International, Statewide Traffic Control & Clearwater Asset Services

MNCGOC Regional Procurement Initiative – Panel Contract for Supply of Traffic Control Services

1 May 2009 – 31 March 2011 with provision for 12 month extension

Estimated $340,000 annually

26 August 2009 Panel Tenderers – Thora Road Base Quarry Thora, CEMEX Australia P/L Boambee & Bellingen, Green Brothers Investments P/L Glenreagh, Tom Jung Quarries Coffs Harbour, Quarry Solutions P/L Valla & High Quality Sands Repton

Panel Contract for Supply of Quarry Materials

1 September 2009 – 30 June 2011


26 August 2009 Mid Coast Trucks (6) Conplant Ammann Aust (1) Carrington Equipment P/L (1) Komatsu Australia P/L (1)

Purchase of nine (9) Plant items on a trade basis

Supply and delivery Purchase $1,219,493

Trade $267,455 Nett Cost $952,039

26 August 2009 Nviroscope P/L

Restoration of landslip at Short Street Lane, Bellingen

2009/10 $143,000

23 September 2009 Australian Lifeguard Service

Provision of Life Saving Services to North Beach and Hungry Head beaches

Period of four years covering 2009/10,

2010/11, 2011/12 & 2012/13 Seasons


16 December 2009 Nviroscope P/L

Rehabilitation of Buffer Creek Bridge on Gordonville Road

2009/10 $64,900

28 April 2010 Fred Keizer Constructions

Design and Construction of Stage 4 of the Urunga Boardwalk

Project to be completed in 2010

$360,000


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Bushfire Hazard Reduction Activities

[Section 428(2)(I) LGA 1993] NSW Rural Fire Service – Mid North Coast Team A Service Level Agreement between the Councils and the RFS provides the basis for the management and administration of the RFS and the Bellingen and Coffs Harbour Rural Fire Districts. As a result of the restructuring and integration of the rural fire districts into a single management area, the activity reports and statistics compiled since 1 July 2005 reflect the performance of the team and all the rural fire brigades collectively. The team incorporates the local government areas of Bellingen and Coffs Harbour and embraces a total area of 2,779 sq km and encompasses the following areas of fire protection responsibility and jurisdiction:

LGA Total Area Rural Fire District NSW Fire Brigade District Coffs Harbour 1,176 km² 1,129.46 km² (96.04%) 46.54 km² (3.96%) Bellingen 1,603 km² 1,588.88 km² (99.12%) 14.12 km² (0.88%)

The team is staffed by 9 full-time paid staff and 1 temporary staff member. There are thirty eight (38) Rural Fire Brigades (17 in Bellingen and 21 in Coffs Harbour) that service the rural areas and villages of the Mid North Coast Team.

Volunteer Strength Bellingen Coffs Harbour Total RFS Volunteers 985 1,363 Total Active Volunteer Fire fighters 417 584

Fire Mitigation and Prevention Activities Activity Bellingen Coffs Harbour

Community Education Activities 7 (650 hours) 5 (560 hours) 79BA Development Applications 24 264 S96 Amendments 3 7 Hazard Complaints 3 10 Fire Permits Issued 207 462 Fire Permit Escapes 2 3 Hazard Reduction Works 15 23 Area of HR work, Burning or Mechanical 1,210.62 ha 2,300.80 ha Linear kms of Trail Works 271.1 km 213.8 km

The prolonged wet weather reduced the hazard reduction burning across the team area. The emphasis during the year was on properties and their preparation for and prevention of bush fire. This included awareness in whether to stay and defend property or to leave early. Street walks were undertaken in some highly fire prone areas and these were carried out in conjunction and co-operation with the NSW Fire Brigade.


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Fire incidents and brigade responses

Incident Bellingen Coffs Harbour Fire Responses 100 300 Motor Vehicle Accident Responses 57 70 Other Responses 32 118 Total Incident Responses 189 488 Volunteer Hours 6,800 12,200 Training and Development

Bellingen Coffs Harbour Training Courses / Activities 68 68 Volunteer Participants 277 553 Volunteer Man Hours 37,672 75,208 The training courses were carried out by a combined training group across the two council areas. Training hours substantially increased from last year as the core subject courses have increased in duration. Capital Works Program With the completion of Kalang, all Bellingen District stations have now been upgraded to a minimum level of 2 bay stations. There are several stations such as Glennifer, Fernmount and Hydes Creek that still need minor extensions and improvements to amenities and it is projected that these works will be completed during 2010/11. In the Coffs Harbour District, Coramba has been completed after extensive delays involving land issues, station design and perceived flood problems. The Fire Control Centre project was completed in August, occupation occurred in September 2009 and the building was officially opened on 1 November 2009. Coffs Harbour Stations Station Type Completion Date

Sherwood Creek Driveway May 2010 Corindi/Red Rock Driveway May 2010 Boambee Amenities June 2010 Coramba 3 bay with amenities Commenced May 2009

Completion November 2009 Fire Control Centre Large Control Centre Commenced November 2008

Completion November 2009 Bellingen Stations Station Type Completion Date

North Bellingen Amenities May 2010 Kalang 2 bay with amenities Completion due November 2010 New vehicles for Bellingen included three Command Group vehicles and one Cat 9 for Megan. The delivery of a heavy Cat 1 tanker was delayed due to ADR compliance issues. New vehicles for Coffs Harbour included three Command Group vehicles and one 22 seater bus. Four heavy Cat 1 tankers were also delayed due to ADR compliance issues.


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Community Development and Planning

Multicultural Services [Section 428(2)(j) LGA 1993]

Based on the 2006 Census statistics, 90% of the Shire’s population were born in English speaking countries and 94% of persons over the age of 5, speak English only at home. The population of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent is 2.6%.

While there appears to be no significant need or demand for multicultural programs at the local level, Council does acknowledge that the Shire has some cultural diversity and frames its policies and practices to be flexible enough to accommodate all of its citizens.

Annual financial assistance and in kind support is provided to the Bellingen Global Carnival, a world music, dance, theatre, electronica and arts festival conducted in Bellingen each year over the October long weekend. Council has not undertaken any specific programs in the period to promote services and access to services for people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Services for the needs of Children and Young People Council provides the buildings occupied by the Dorrigo Pre-School, Bellingen Pre-School, Urunga Pre-School, North Bellingen Children’s Centre and the Mylestom Play Group. It is also responsible for the Urunga Neighbourhood Centre, which is the home for some children’s services in that town and provides financial assistance to the Dorrigo Playgroup to assist with rent and insurances.

Council provides premises for the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre which houses the Bellingen & Seaboard Youth Services (BSYS). A part-time youth development worker was employed to operate the youth service in Dorrigo until January 2009. This involved organising programs, projects, workshops, & activities for young people on the Dorrigo Plateau and attracting outreach health, employment and educational services for young people. This service is now being auspiced by the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre and BSYS.

Council owns and operates branch libraries at Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga which provide extensive services and resources for children, particularly during the annual Book Week. The public have free internet access to computers at each of the libraries and library staff encourages children to use these facilities through the provision of training and the use of volunteers to help young people make best use of the facilities available.

Small donations are made to each of the schools in the Shire to assist with the provision of prizes for annual school presentation functions. Financial assistance is also provided to the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and local Surf Life Saving Clubs on an annual basis.


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Council provides playing fields and children’s playgrounds in each of the towns in the Shire and in some of the larger rural residential localities. Strategies are also in place to progressively improve children’s playgrounds by removal of dangerous equipment and provision of soft-fall areas. Public swimming pools are operated in Dorrigo and Bellingen and are used regularly by young people.

Youth Week is supported through a financial contribution for an Art Competition and co-ordination of some of the activities held during the week. A contribution is also made to match Commonwealth funding for Youth Week activities. During the year Council also made small contributions to the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Bellingen Babies program and Y2A Power Play project from the Social Plan Committee budget.

Programs to promote services & access for residents Council continues to support the Bellingen Shire Access Advisory Committee by way of financial assistance and administrative support. Council’s Disability Discrimination Act Action (DDAA) Plan identifies barriers preventing the equitable access to all Council services and facilities and incorporates a comprehensive strategy to remove those barriers. The new Church Street public toilet facility in Bellingen’s CBD includes an accessible toilet and baby change facilities. An accessible toilet for people with disabilities is located in the new Bellingen branch library and external toilet facilities for the disabled are provided in the Council Park. Council auspices the activities of the Dorrigo Support Centre, which provides services to frail aged and disabled persons on the Dorrigo Plateau. A mini bus continues to operate on the Dorrigo Plateau for transport of disadvantaged residents and to ensure that Dorrigo’s elderly people, those with disabilities and youth have access to services and social activities. The Mayor participates in a weekly radio session at the local community radio station and Council encourages public participation in its meetings. Hearing loops have been installed in the Council Chambers to assist people with hearing difficulties and the Chambers are accessible by wheel chair.

Council is a participant in the Local Government & Shires Associations “local-e” project that is providing Council with tools that enable staff to manage the content of the web site more effectively. Council hosts the Community Directory on its website which is prepared by the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre with annual financial assistance being provided by the Council.


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Access and Equity Activities Council is committed to developing a Social Plan every 5 years in co-operation with key stakeholder groups and residents to identify the needs of its community and provide or advocate for appropriate and accessible services and facilities for their benefit. Council can then respond to many of the issues identified in the plan particularly in the building of partnerships, understanding population and demographic trends, ensuring access and equity and improvements to infrastructure. A copy of the Bellingen Shire Social Plan for 2010-2015 is available on Council’s website. A summary of the proposed activities and initiatives in relation to access and equity activities to assist identified groups within the community is undertaken every 12 months and is outlined in Council’s Management Plan. An access and equity activity is defined as one which assists Council to:

• promote fairness in the distribution of resources, particularly for those most in need • recognise and promote people’s rights and improve the accountability of decision

makers • ensure that people have fairer access to the economic resources and services

essential to meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life • give people better opportunities for genuine participation and consultation about

decisions affecting their lives.

Council continues to facilitate and provide administrative support for the Bellingen Shire Access Advisory Committee through its Community Planning Officer. The Advisory Committee meets every month with the meetings being facilitated by the Community Planning Officer. The Committee also includes councillor representation and is consulted by Council’s planning professionals regarding access requirements for various Development Applications when a request is made to waive or modify access provision requirements as indicated in Council’s Development Control Plan. Another initiative has been the development of a Development Control Plan to ensure reasonable access for disabled persons to public facilities, developments and open spaces. The Ian J Cooper Awards are held every two years by the Access Advisory Committee to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. The Awards recognise local businesses for their consideration of people with disabilities.

Council placed a locally made hand crafted bench, designed for people with mobility difficulties, in Maam Gaduying (Meeting Place) Park in May 2010, as a memorial to Ian J Cooper, a founding

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